Lawyer: Detained American was touring North Korea

June 9, 2014

Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CINCINNATI (AP) — A family spokesman says an Ohio man being detained in North Korea was on vacation as part of a tour.

Tim Tepe (TEEP), an attorney who is acting as a family spokesman, issued a brief statement Monday. He says 56-year-old Jeffrey Edward Fowle (FOWL) of Miamisburg in southwest Ohio "loves the adventure of experiencing different cultures and seeing new places."

Tepe says Fowle's wife and three children miss him and are anxious for his return.

The family also thanked the Swedish Embassy for their "continuing efforts" and the support they've been offered around the world.

Fowle's wife flanked Tepe as he read the statement to reporters. They declined to answer questions.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency said Friday that Fowle was being detained for acts inconsistent with a tourist visit.